MBC has announced that it will broadcast a special documentary titled "Han Kang Is Coming" on December 16 at 10:50 p.m. KST to commemorate Korean author Han Kang’s historic Nobel Prize in Literature win.
On December 11 (local time), Han Kang became the first South Korean to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature at the 2024 Nobel Prize Awards Ceremony held in Stockholm, Sweden. Her groundbreaking achievement has drawn significant attention both domestically and internationally.
The announcement of Han Kang’s win comes at a critical time in South Korea, where the country is grappling with the fallout of a nationwide emergency. The political upheaval, triggered by President Yoon Seok Yeol's declaration of martial law, led to large-scale civilian protests, ultimately culminating in the National Assembly's decision to impeach the president.
The timing of Han Kang's Nobel recognition and South Korea's political crisis has garnered notable attention due to the parallels with her renowned works. Her novels, Human Acts and We Do Not Part, are set against the backdrop of historical military crackdowns in Gwangju (1980) and Jeju (1948), respectively. These novels explore themes of civilian massacres and the trauma of survivors, shedding light on the brutal consequences of state power.
In a press conference following her award, Han Kang addressed questions regarding the contemporary relevance of her works. "The situation today was broadcast live for all to see," she remarked, drawing parallels between her literary themes and recent events. She also noted the demeanor of the police and military forces, stating, “I sensed an internal conflict in their actions; they appeared to be moving as cautiously as possible.”
The upcoming documentary will delve deeper into Han Kang’s literary world and her influence as a writer. It will feature insights from both domestic and international experts, offering a critical analysis of her body of work and the significance of her Nobel Prize win.
Sayart / Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com
